Obituaries

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They touch our hearts, they shape our lives, they show us new worlds, and when they die, we sometimes mourn them as a friend, even if we’ve never met.  The people we encounter on the pop culture journey can have a huge impact on our lives, and Sam pays tribute to the stars and characters who’ve shuffled off this mortal coil.

Little Orphan Annie: 1924 – 2010

Gary Coleman: 1968 – 2010

Frank Frezetta: 1928 – 2010

Fess Parker: 1924 – 2010

Best-known and beloved for his role as Davy Crockett, Parker went on to star in several memorable films and become an inspiration to men fighting in Vietnam. Out of the public spotlight for decades, working as a real estate agent, Parker died at age 85, having celebrated 50 years of marriage with his wife Marcella.

Pernell Roberts: 1928 – 2010

With his rugged good looks and deep voice, Pernell Roberts was a natural in a 1950s Hollywood where Westerns were at the peak of their popularity. Best known as eldest son Adam Cartwright on Bonanza, Roberts was also an accomplished singer with a strong social conscience.

Andy Hallet: 1975 – 2009

Rarely recognized even by his fans, Andy Hallet’s role as Lorne the singing demon on the television show Angel was a fan favourite.  After a series of lucky breaks, Hallet’s luck ran out when he died of heart failure in his early thirties.  A talent who never had a chance to realize his full potential, he will always be remembered for his warmth, skill, and energy.

David Carradine: 1936 – 2009

Born into a showbiz family, David Carradine lived weird and died weird.  His work in Kung Fu kicked off a martial arts craze in North America, and created a new type of hero which alienated kids could identify with.  Despite critical acclaim in later roles, Carradine’s popularity faltered and though he was working, it was a string of B films and sequels until being cast in Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill.  His unusual and tragic death after resurgence of his acting career only serves to add to his mystique.

Jennifer Jones: 1919 – 2009

Despite the fact that she may have drifted out of the public spotlight for decades, during her prime Jennifer Jones was one of the most highly acclaimed actresses in Hollywood, and lived a life full of love, luck, tragedy, madness and redemption.  Jennifer Jones’ life was a true life Hollywood drama.

Michael Jackson: 1958 – 2009

Alegend, a madman, an idol, a prodigy, a genius, a train wreck and a controversial figure: Michael Jackson needs no introduction.  In the public eye from a young age, Jackson’s death from accidental overdose ends the story, but not the speculation.

Soupy Sales: 1926 – 2009

This 1960s childrens’ show host captured the hearts and minds of kids and adults alike with his unpredictable nature on live television.  Soupy Sales was smarter and far more cutting edge then the competition, and his show drew special guests from across the Hollywood spectrum.

Susan Atkins aka Sadie Mae Glutz: 1948 – 2009

One of the infamous Manson Family convicted of the brutal 1969 Tate/Labianca murders, Susan Atkins later converted to Christianity and became a model prisoner, speaking out against Manson.  The longest-served woman in California history, Atkins’ death closes a chapter on this tragic and fascinating story.

Bettie Page: 1923 – 2008

Bobby “Boris” Pickett:  1938 – 2007

In 2006 Sam Tweedle partcipated in an interview with Bobby “Boris” Pickett who, in 1961, wrote and recorded the smash one hit wonder and seasonal hit The Monster Mash.  A year after the interview Bobby Pickett was dead, leaving PCA’s interview with Mr. Pickett the final interview he gave.  A complicated man, Sam Tweedle reflects on his dealins with Bobby “Boris” Pickett.

Joseph Barbera: 1911 – 2006